Hayley Turner banned from riding for three months after breaking betting rules

Top female jockey Hayley Turner has been suspended from riding for three months with immediate effect after she was found to have breached betting rules for jockeys.

By Matt Butler

14th December 2017,3:42 pm

Updated: 14th December 2017,4:11 pm

THE British Horseracing Authority has suspended Hayley Turner from riding for three months after she was charged with a breach of the rules governing betting by jockeys.

Britain’s most successful female jockey and ITV racing pundit Turner broke rules governing licensed jockeys when opening an internet betting account following her official retirement from the saddle at the end of the 2015 turf season.

Hayley Turner has been suspended from riding for three months after breaking betting rules

However, Turner’s decision to open an online account following her initial retirement prompted a BHA inquiry as she technically still held a licence, leaving the rider in breach of the rules.

She was said to be “absolutely devastated at her mistake” and “deeply embarrassed” by the situation when charges were announced earlier this month.

The ban takes immediate effect, although Turner is not disqualified, meaning she can still visit and work on racecourses and other licensed premises.

Jamie Stier, chief regulatory officer at the BHA, said: “It is a strict requirement under the rules of racing in Britain that licensed jockeys do not place bets on any races.

“It is simply not appropriate to the public’s perception of the sport’s integrity that those who are licensed to ride in races should be able to bet on the sport, even on races in which they are not participating. This is consistent with other major sports.

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“The case was heard by an independent disciplinary panel who are responsible for determining the penalty.

“Hayley Turner has made a full admission and apology regarding the rules breaches she has committed, and the BHA’s position was that it is appropriate that this should be considered mitigation when it comes to determining a penalty.

“The guideline entry point for an offence of this nature is an 18-month disqualification.”

A contrite Turner said: “At the end of the day I made a huge mistake and have to suffer the penalty as I did break the rules.

“The problem was I saw myself as a television pundit rather than as a jockey, which explains as to why I started betting while working on ATR and on ITV.

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“Three months is a long time and I do think it is quite harsh, especially as I have a mortgage to pay, but I have just got to take it on the chin.”

Johnno Spence, Turner’s commercial agent, said: “What is really important is the panel did not question her integrity as she was betting while having a licence, albeit for riding in exceptional circumstances. I think it is pretty harsh, but they had to do something.

“ITV and Matchbook have been loyal and supportive and we look forward to working with them in 2018.

“We are really appreciative of the support from her commercial partners in all of this.”